Grassroots heroes recognised by Northants FA

Kettering Nomads performed well in the Northants Combination last season and now their stalwart Peter Eady has been recognised for his off-field efforts by the Northamptonshire FA

Published:09:34Thursday 23 June 2016

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The unsung heroes of local football were recognised when the Northamptonshire FA revealed the winners of this year’s local FA Community Awards.

The awards go to those who go above and beyond the line of duty for the sake of the grassroots game locally, with the winners selected from a host of names shortlisted following a lengthy nomination process.

Peter Eady was named as the joint-winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Community Football alongside Tony Nash.

Eady has has been involved with Northants Combination club Kettering Nomads since 1960.

In that time, he has served in every off-field role, including secretary, treasurer, president, event organiser and groundsman.

Now in his 70s, Eady is still going strong and he continues goes the extra mile to make sure opposing players and match officials are catered for.

The accolade is a fitting tribute to a man engrained in Northamptonshire grassroots football.

Other winners on the evening were Norman Green who has established a youth football club in Yardley Gobion and was named Volunteer of the Year.

Young Volunteer of the Year was Marc Beezley, a 16-year-old coaching an under-9 team.

Meanwhile, Netherton United was named the Charter Standard Community Club of the Year and the Peterborough & District Football League were awarded the prize for the Charter Standard League of the Year.

Ian Tinto, Head of Football Development at the NFA, said: “On behalf of everybody at the Northamptonshire FA – and I’m sure all involved in the grassroots game across our county – I would like to congratulate the winners of this year’s local FA Community Awards.

“Without out grassroots heroes, the game at grassroots level simply wouldn’t exist.

“The FA Community Awards recognises the efforts of individuals, clubs and leagues across the country, and provides County FAs with an opportunity to acknowledge those that do so much in their respective regions.